Waterford families pay up to €275 a week on childcare, says NWC
The National Council for Women Ireland claim that Waterford families have to spend upwards of €275 a week on childcare.
Waterford families are paying up to €275 a week on childcare, according to the National Women's Council (NWC) of Ireland.
The sobering figure comes just before the NWC are set to hold a public Town Hall meeting in Waterford, set to take place tonight at 7pm at Treacys Hotel, Waterford City.
The meeting will discuss the urgent need for accessible childcare and is being organised by Together for Public alliance.
Orla O’Connor, Director of National Women’s Council said: "Childcare in Ireland has long been unaffordable and inadequate, placing an unjust burden on women, who cannot fully participate in society, often reduce their working hours or leave the workforce entirely.
She added: "We are now in a General Election campaign, and we need a commitment from political party leaders to urgent and substantial change. Despite increased investment in recent years, our current childcare system has not delivered the accessibility or affordability that families need."
Ms O'Connor continued: "Childcare must be available from the age that parents need it, including school-aged children. All children - irrespective of their background, any additional needs they may have, or their location - should be entitled to early education and care. We need to see that reflected in legislation that guarantees a place for every child. Early years educators, the majority of whom are women, need decent pay and working conditions that is reflective of their training and experience to keep them in this crucial sector.
"The only solution to the childcare crisis is a public system, and we are calling on the political party leaders to commit to including it in the Programme for Government."
Donal Swan, Women’s Economic Equality Coordinator said: "Our e-action campaign empowers women and families to make their voices heard and ensure that the Government cannot ignore the needs of families any longer. This is an opportunity for women and families to take collective action and demand a childcare system similar to other EU countries.
He added: "A public system would create a more equal Ireland and, when combined with better paid and longer family leaves and a right to flexible working conditions, would mean parents have real choices when it comes to caring for their child."
